Most of the modern motherboards have quite a bearable sound path. Together with the Realtek codec, it is capable of producing good sound, but the audio signal quality is far from ideal. If the integrated system is not enough, you will have to buy a sound card. It is designed for professional sound processing, which positively affects the balance of frequencies, detail, volume and clarity of the sound. Here are the best sound cards, both internal and external.
Best Internal Sound Cards
Built-in sound cards allow you to achieve the most pure sound, but at the same time they do not occupy the connectors on the system unit. They are connected internally, so they are completely invisible. They also have a drawback – it is very difficult and impractical to install in laptops, netbooks and similar mobile devices.
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx
The list of good sound cards for PC opens with a model from Creative Sound with support for the SBX Pro Studio system, which provides 5.1 surround sound. It contains 3 connectors on the case and one remote port that allows you to install the audio output on the front panel of the computer. Thanks to the built-in amplifier chip, any equipment becomes louder. A proprietary program is responsible for increasing the sound detail, in which a functional equalizer is implemented and volume settings are made.
pros
- you can amplify the power of the microphone;
- supports overlay voice effects;
- good and loud sound;
- it is possible to install headphones with high impedance (up to 600 ohms);
- modern software.
Minuses
- there are interference from the video card during its load;
- light crunch and whistle during idle time.
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx
ASUS Xonar DS
One of the best budget sound cards, which in terms of audio quality is able to compete with the representatives of the middle price segment. Its feature is the increased frequency of the converter (up to 192 kHz). This means that the sound becomes much clearer, as well as extraneous noise is cut off. The difference is most noticeable when paired with a stereo system and music in AAC or FLAC formats. On the back side there are 4 analog ports, 8 cables for connecting 7.1 acoustics.
pros
- the presence of an optical S / PDIF adapter makes the model a semi-professional;
- perfectly balanced frequencies;
- high maintainability;
- increased frequency of the converter;
- 7.1 systems can be connected.
Minuses
- the possibilities for adjusting the sound could be wider;
- a PCI interface is used for connection.
ASUS Xonar DS
Creative Audigy SE
The optimal model for those who use inexpensive 5.1 speaker systems. Connects directly to the motherboard via PCI, allowing it to unleash its full potential. But at the same time, the user is faced with noise when installing in close proximity to the video card. The problem is specific only under load. The sound quality is average: better than from the built-in path, but inferior to expensive solutions.
pros
- can work with 6-channel audio;
- easy installation;
- Supports overlaying EAX effects;
- optimal for 5.1 acoustics;
- 4 analog outputs.
Minuses
- not suitable for listening to music in FLAC format;
- low frequency of the converter – 96 kHz.
Creative Audigy SE
ASUS Strix Raid DLX
A gaming device designed to deliver 3D audio. Thanks to the C-Media 6632AX chip with a frequency of 384 kHz and an eight-channel DAC, there are no complaints about the sound quality. ASIO 2.0 support is a nice bonus. HyperGroun technology makes the sound clearer, eliminating noise and pickup. If you are close to the video adapter, the problem still manifests itself, so you need to install it in the far PCI slot. An important advantage of the device is the control unit for quick adjustment of the microphone and headphones.
pros
- support for RAID mode;
- independent DAC and ADC with 120dB range guarantees excellent detail;
- allow you to connect studio headphones with impedance up to 600 ohms;
- convenient software STRIX SONIC STUDIO;
- can play 7.1 sound.
Minuses
- impulse noise shielding could be better;
- there are problems with the operation of the remote control.
ASUS Strix Raid DLX
ESI MAYA44
An advanced version of the sound card, equipped with 6.3 mm audio connectors, so it should be used to connect professional equipment. An independent coaxial connector and optics are used for digital audio input. The pre-installed amp is sufficient for regular 30 ohm headphones, but it also pulls studio models into 300 ohms. The proprietary software contains a huge number of advanced functions, from the DirectWire interface to setting up high-quality mixing.
pros
- the best solution for a home studio;
- modern drivers and software;
- numerous studio opportunities;
- great sound for its class;
- support for old operating systems.
Minuses
- DAC could be better;
- no minijack connectors.
ESI MAYA44
Best external sound cards
The good thing about external cards is that they can be easily connected to any computer, including a laptop. After a short setup, the devices are ready to produce high-quality and loud sound. The best outdoor sound cards are described below.
ASUS Xonar U7
An external sound card is connected to a PC via USB. It is designed to work with any speaker system, including 7.1. A powerful 192 kHz DAC provides decent sounding at the output, and you can completely forget about extraneous noise. The model is fully revealed when listening to music in FLAC format. With 5 analog connectors, 8 channels and a separate headphone output, you can connect any audio equipment to this card.
pros
- remote headphone port;
- a large number of analog channels;
- increased frequency of the DAC;
- works with 5.1 and 7.1 systems;
- decent sound quality to match the FLAC format.
Minuses
- slight delay in sound;
- average power of the preamplifier.
ASUS Xonar U7
Creative Sound Blaster E5
Thanks to two DACs, the model can work with any devices, including mobile ones. A small sound card supports autonomous operation, for which a 3200 mAh battery is responsible (enough for 8 hours). The battery can be recharged via microUSB. The sound card has a built-in wireless Bluetooth 4.1 connection interface, and MultiPoint technology allows multiple devices to be connected in parallel.
pros
- built-in NFC module (communication distance up to 10 m);
- controls on the body;
- connects via USB port;
- comes with functional software that allows you to customize different sound characteristics;
- clear sound.
Minuses
- the smartphone application has limited functionality;
- quiet microphone.
Creative Sound Blaster E5
Steinberg UR242
A mid-range sound card is ideal for home stations for playing and recording music and instruments. The semi-pro model features a separate TRS headphone output, as well as combined instrument and microphone jacks. The powerful 192 kHz DAC allows you to listen to music without external noise. The model almost fully reveals the FLAC format.
pros
- balanced and high-quality sound;
- functional software;
- can work with macOS and Windows;
- durable metal body;
- Free Cubase license.
Minuses
- no DSP;
- the bundled drivers do not always become without problems, it is better to install a more recent version.
Steinberg UR242
Focusrite Saffire PRO 40
An external professional sound card uses the FireWire interface for connection, which receives high marks from sound engineers. The device allows you to work with 52 channels, and there are as many as 20 inputs and outputs on its panel. This amount is enough for high-quality studio recording and complete processing of sound material. The uniqueness of the model adds phantom power for all channels and a powerful preamplifier. The device has no analogues in its niche.
pros
- virtual inputs for routing data between programs;
- convenient and functional FireWire interface;
- high power of preamplifiers;
- independent ports for communication with monitors;
- professional-grade software.
Minuses
- high price;
- experience is required to manage and configure.
Focusrite Saffire PRO 40
RME Fireface UCX
Professional grade external sound card for studio use. She has many inputs and outputs of 8, as well as the ability to communicate via USB. Users love the pre-installed FireWire interface. The main advantages of the model are crystal clear sound and the ability to operate stably for a long time. The Total Mix FX software is a bit outdated visually, but this shortcoming makes up for the abundance of functionality.
pros
- studio sound quality;
- a large number of sound add-ons;
- stable work, you can forget about bugs and glitches;
- supports work with iPad;
- does not necessarily need to be connected to a computer.
Minuses
- it is easy to get confused in the program interface;
- basic level of indication, more information in the appendix.
RME Fireface UCX
Those who want to listen to quality music or even create it will be able to find the right sound cards for any task. Among them there are models of entry and professional level, both among internal and external devices.